A Patriotic Blog. Focused On Positive Aspects Of Pakistani Society And Its People. Discussion About Love For Motherland Pakistan, Its Culture, History And Future. Pakistan Is Truly The Mamlikat-e-Khudadad. Strategic Importance Of Location Of Pakistan As A Muslim State And As A Leader Of Muslim Ummah. Stories Of Bravery Of Martyrs Of Pakistani Armed Forces Army, Navy And Air Force Who Sacrificed Their Lives For This Country.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Special forces, or special operations forces are military units trained to perform unconventional missions. Special forces, as they would now be recognized, emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War.

Training and development of other states' military and security forces

Offensive action

espionage

counter espionage

Support to counter-insurgency through population engagement and support

Counter-terrorism operations

Sabotage and demolition

Hostage rescue

Special Forces Of Pakistan And Pakistan Army :-

Pakistan’s SSG known as the ‘Black Storks’ worldwide, is a division sized group headed by a Major-General and divided into ten battalions, the actual strength of which is classified. The special operations forces of Pakistan are known as Special Services Group (SSG). It comprises the SSG of Pakistan Army, Special Services Group Navy (SSGN) of Pakistan Navy and Special Services Wing (SSW) of Pakistan Air Force. SSG's primary and special missions are asymmetric warfare, special operations, counter-proliferation, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, counter terrorism, and personnel recovery. SSG has a large history of special operations during Indo-Pakisatani wars, counterinsurgency in Pakistan's tribal belt, as well as number of hostage rescue missions. The Navy's SSGN was used in the PNS Mehran attack. SSG holds joint exercises regularly with other special forces of the world. SSG of Pak Army also provides security to the Royal Family of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Special Services Group Among Top 10 Special Forces Of The World :-

Recently a journal published by armed forces museum analysed and developed a list of top 10 special forces in the world depending on their capabilities, operational history, success rate and various other military and economical factors. This List Includes the Top 10 special forces in the world. Pakistan Army's Special Operations Force SSG Or Special Services Group is ranked ninth 9th in this list. It is an honor for our country and our special forces. Our Arch enemy India also has many types of special forces but any of their special forces were not included in this list. Surely Pakistani Nation will be proud of their brave sons who face the horrible phenomenons of nature and endanger their lives in the line of duty and in the line of fire, just to save their motherland Pakistan.

Here is the list which represents the top 10 special forces of the world.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Brigadier Tariq Mehmood Shaheed, most popularly known as Brigadier TM and now TM Shaheed, (8 Oct 1938 - 29 May 1989), SJ (Bar), SBt, SI(M) was a legendary soldier and lethal weapon of Pakistan Army. He was serving as the Commandant of Special Services Group, when died in an accident in 1989, due to malfunctioning of his parachute, during a free fall display at Rahwali, near Gujranwala. TM was one of the most decorated Army officers who saw SSG in two wars and various special operations. He played a father like role in Special Services Group and has left a deep legacy, even after his death.

Life And Education As Civilian :-

Mehmood was born on 8 October 1938 at Multan. His father was a professor at Government College, Asghar Mall. After completing his intermediate education from Gordon Christian College, Rawalpindi in 1956, he went to Lahore and graduated from Government College in 1959. He was also a member of Government College cricket team captained by Javed Burki. After graduation he went to Peshawar to study Law at University of Peshawar, but he also got selected for Pakistan Army at the same time. He made a choice to serve his country at the battle front and joined Pakistan Military Academy as a cadet in 1960. He graduated from PMA in 1963 with a double B.Sc. in Military science and War studies. He also attended Command and Staff College, Quetta, and completed his Staff Course in 1969.

Military Career In Pakistan Army :-

Mahmood was commissioned in 2nd Battalion of The Baloch Regiment in 1960, when passed out from PMA in 1963. The same year, he was inducted in 51st Paratrooper Division, Airborne Corps, and from there, he was selected for the Special Services Group (SSG). After completing the Special Training of SSG he was posted to the 1st Commando Battalion(Yaldram)(Shaheen Company).

Special Operations In 1965 Hindustan Pakistan War :-

In 1965, SSG was preparing for covert Operations in Kashmir, meanwhile Captain TM was selected for an advance course with U.S. Army Special Forces, but he opted himself for covert operations instead of leaving for United States to attend the advance course. He was awarded Sitara-e-Juraat (SJ) for his acts of bravery during Indo-Pak war of 1965. Tariq Mahmood was promoted to the rank of Major in 1970 and was stationed in Peshawar. Major TM was posted as the commandant Parachute Training School.

Special Operations In 1971 Winter War :-

In 1971, Major TM volunteered to go East Pakistan to participate in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He was an officer in command and had received direct orders from General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi. General A. A. K. Niazi had given him a direct order, and told him

"if you hear or see the fire, burn the place down".

In a conflict, Major TM was sent to Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka Airport) to lead an operation against insurgents. The Airport was heavily guarded by the insurgents and it was considered no-fly zone. Major TM commanded the Shaheen Company, 1st commando battalion and his company saw the heavy fighting in the Airport. After 34 hours of tiring battle, the Shaheen Company, 1st commando battalion gained an absolute control of the Airport and its surrounding areas, and it was freed from the insurgents. Both sides have had suffered heavy casualties and the Airport was nearly destroyed in the battle.

While in East-Pakistan, Tariq Mahmood was assigned another mission. He was sent to Northern Bangladesh, where he sat to led a covert operations against the insurgents. He was a commanding officer of the 25 SSG officers of Shaheen Company,1st commando battalion, saw the bloodiest and gruesome battle near at the river. The Shaheen Company, 1st battalion, re-captured and gained control of a bridge over the Brahmaputra River from the enemy. While commanding the operation, Major TM was hit by two bullets in his leg but continued to fight and lead the operation till the mission was successfully complete. After the operation, the Shaheen Company, 1st battalion was re-called to Dhaka. Major Tariq Mahmood was the last Pakistani soldier to leave East-Pakistan, commanding the C-130 aircraft departing from Dhaka Airport in 1971.

Brigadier Tariq Mehmood Shaheed Of Special Services GroupSSG Pakistan Army

After the war, in 1971, Major TM was awarded his second Sitara-e-Jurat, and was stationed in Lahore. In 1973, he posted to 3rd Commando Powinda Battalion, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1974. In 1977, he was made Commanding officer of the 3rd Commando Powinda Battalion, SSG Division. In 1977, he saw his battalion in action against the heavily armed Pashtun tribes in Northern Pakistan who blocked the Karakoram Highway which links Pakistan and China. In the summer of 1977, the Government of Pakistan had asked him to lead an operation against the belligerents. Lt. Col. TM was given the task to get the road opened and cleared the designated area from the insurgents. Lt. Col. TM delivered a quick and immediate military operation against the tribes and completed the mission with full success. In his recognition, the Government of Pakistan awarded him Sitara-e-Bisalat in 1977.

Special Operations In 1984 Siachen War :-

In 1979, he was promoted to Colonel, and in 1982, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier. Brigadier TM, now a one-star general, was made commandant of the Special Services Group. In 1984, Brigadier TM commanded the Special Services Group at Siachen Conflict. SSG launched an aggressive and quick operation against Indian Army. Brigadier TM led a mild victory in 1984, and the control of the Siachen glacier was given to X Corps headed by Colonel-Commandant (X Corps) Lieutenant-General Zahid Ali Akbar. However, the territory was lost when Indian Army launched a successful military operation, Operation Meghdoot, which resulted in an absolute control of Siachen glacier by Indian Army. Brigadier TM, in retaliation, launched covert operations which continued until his death. The Pakistani ISI learnt that India's secret agency RAW had received order to attempt an assassination on Brigadier TM, and Indian Prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was reportedly briefed once a week about the activities of TM. After this report, the security of Brigadier TM was further tightened by Pakistan Army.

Other Military Operations :-

Throughout the 1980s, the SSG and ISI were closely collaborating with the U.S. Special Forces and Special Activities Division in order to lead the secret operation known as Operation Cyclone. Brigadier TM was also a commanding officer of the Battle for Hill 3234, and the operation was fully executed by the Brigadier TM. On 5 September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked in Karachi, Sindh. Brigadier-General Tariq Mahmood quickly came to Karachi where he led the planning of the operation to free the Airline from terrorists. He came to public prominence when he had led the successful Operation PANAM to liberate the Airline from terrorists. The hijackers opened fire on SSG team, killing and injuring the passengers but due to SSG’s quick action soon all the hijackers were arrested saving many lives. In the later 1987–88, he led operations against criminals in Sindh.

SHAHADAT And LEGACY Of This Brave Son Of Pakistan :-

On 29 May 1989, SSG suffered the tragic loss of its legendary commanding officer, when Brigadier TM was leading the team of SSG paratroopers for a free-fall at Pakistan Army Aviation School, Rahwali, Gujranwala. The jump was part of Army Aviation’s Passing Out parade. The incident happened during a demonstration jump from an Army's Mi-17 helicopter when Brigadier TM's main and reserve parachute failed to open. According to the investigations, his first Parachute didn't open and the ropes were badly entangled. Brigadier TM attempted to cut the ropes with his dagger, and tried to open the backup Parachute. Unintentionally, he had released both back up and main parachutes, and the amount of velocity with which he was coming down was enormous. This was the cause of Shahadat Of TM. Pakistan Army And Special Services Group lost their most valuable asset ever. May Allah Accept His Shahadat. Aameen.

Friday, July 4, 2014

The Heckler & Koch MP5 (from German: Maschinenpistole 5, "machine pistol model 5") is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH (H&K) of Oberndorf am Neckar. There are over 100 variants of the MP5, including a semi-automatic version. The MP5 is one of the most widely used submachine guns in the world, having been adopted by 40 nations and numerous military, law enforcement, intelligence, and security organizations. In the 1990s, Heckler & Koch developed the Heckler & Koch UMP, the MP5's successor; both are available as of 2014.

Design Specifications :-

The primary version of the MP5 family is the MP5A2, which is a lightweight, air-cooled, selective fire delayed blowback operated 9×19mm Parabellum weapon with a roller-delayed bolt. It fires from a closed bolt (bolt forward) position. The fixed, free floating, cold hammer-forged barrel has 6 right-hand grooves with a 1 in 250 mm (1:10 in) rifling twist rate and is pressed and pinned into the receiver.

Features :-

The first MP5 models used a double-column straight box magazine, but since 1977, slightly curved, steel magazines are used with a 15-round capacity (weighing 0.12 kg) or a 30-round capacity (0.17 kg empty).

The adjustable iron sights (closed type) consist of a rotating rear diopter drum and a front post installed in a hooded ring. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation with the use of a special tool, being adjusted at the factory for firing at 25m with standard 124 grains FMJ 9x19mm NATO ammunition; the drum provides four different apertures of varying width used to adjust the light entrance in the diopter system, according to the user's eye relief and tactical situation, and not for firing at 25, 50, 75 and 100m as some people wrongly imagine.

The MP5 has a hammer firing mechanism. The trigger group is housed inside an interchangeable polymer trigger module (with an integrated pistol grip) and equipped with a three-position fire mode selector that serves as the manual safety toggle. The “S” or Sicher position in white denotes weapon safe, “E” or Einzelfeuer in red represents single fire, and “F” or Feuerstoß (also marked in red) designates continuous fire. The SEF symbols appear on both sides of the plastic trigger group. The selector lever is actuated with the thumb of the shooting hand and is located only on the left side of the original SEF trigger group or on both sides of the ambidextrous trigger groups. The safety/selector is rotated into the various firing settings or safety position by depressing the tail end of the lever. Tactile clicks (stops) are present at each position to provide a positive stop and prevent inadvertent rotation. The "safe" setting disables the trigger by blocking the hammer release with a solid section of the safety axle located inside the trigger housing.

The non-reciprocating cocking handle is located above the handguard and protrudes from the cocking handle tube at approximately a 45° angle. This rigid control is attached to a tubular piece within the cocking lever housing called the cocking lever support, which in turn, makes contact with the forward extension of the bolt group. It is not however connected to the bolt carrier and therefore cannot be used as a forward assist to fully seat the bolt group. The cocking handle is held in a forward position by a spring detent located in the front end of the cocking lever support which engages in the cocking lever housing. The lever is locked back by pulling it fully to the rear and rotating it slightly clockwise where it can be hooked into an indent in the cocking lever tube.

Operating Mechanism Details :-

The bolt rigidly engages the barrel extension a cylindrical component welded to the receiver into which the barrel is pinned. The delay mechanism is of the same design as that used in the G3 rifle. The two-part bolt consists of a bolt head with rollers and a bolt carrier. The heavier bolt carrier lies up against the bolt head when the weapon is ready to fire and inclined planes on the front locking piece lie between the rollers and force them out into recesses in the barrel extension.

Heckler & Koch MP5 Of Pakistan Army

When fired, expanding propellant gases produced from the burning powder in the cartridge exert rearward pressure on the bolt head transferred through the base of the cartridge case as it is propelled out of the chamber. A portion of this force is transmitted through the rollers projecting from the bolt head, which are cammed inward against the inclined flanks of the locking recesses in the barrel extension and to the angled shoulders of the locking piece. The selected angles of the recesses and the incline on the locking piece produce a velocity ratio of about 4:1 between the bolt carrier and the bolt head. This results in a calculated delay, allowing the projectile to exit the barrel and gas pressure to drop to a safe level before the case is extracted from the chamber.

The delay results from the amount of time it takes for enough recoil energy to be transferred through to the bolt carrier in a sufficient quantity for it to be driven to the rear against the force of inertia of the bolt carrier and the forward pressure exerted against the bolt by the recoil spring. As the rollers are forced inward they displace the locking piece and propel the bolt carrier to the rear. The bolt carrier's rearward velocity is four times that of the bolt head since the cartridge remains in the chamber for a short period of time during the initial recoil impulse. After the bolt carrier has traveled rearward 4 mm, the locking piece is withdrawn fully from the bolt head and the rollers are compressed into the bolt head. Only once the locking rollers are fully cammed into the bolt head can the entire bolt group continue its rearward movement in the receiver, breaking the seal in the chamber and continuing the feeding cycle.

Since the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge is relatively low powered, the bolt does not have an anti-bounce device like the G3, but instead the bolt carrier contains tungsten granules that prevent the bolt group from bouncing back after impacting the barrel extension. The weapon has a fluted chamber that enhances extraction reliability by bleeding gases backwards into the shallow flutes running along the length of the chamber to prevent the cartridge case from expanding and sticking to the chamber walls (since the bolt is opened under relatively high barrel pressure). A spring extractor is installed inside the bolt head and holds the case securely until it strikes the ejector arm and is thrown out of the ejection port to the right of the receiver. The lever-type ejector is located inside the trigger housing (activated by the movement of the recoiling bolt).

Manufactured And Used By Pakistan Army :-

Pakistan ordinance factories make this weapon under license. This fast submachine gun is used special services group and some other law enforcement agencies inside pakistan. This weapon is used globally for the protection details of VIPs’. Pakistan Manufactures the MP5A2, MP5P3 (MP5A3), MP5P4 (MP5A4), MP5P5 (MP5A5) and SMG PK (MP5K). The SMG PK-1 is an MP5K clone with a short retractable stock.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

The Siachen dispute was added to the roster of major issues in Indo-Pakistan relations for the first time in April 1984. During the month, Indian Army airlifted mountain trained forces into position over-looking key passes in the Baltoro Range , a spur of the Karakoram Mountains , flanking the Siachen Glacier's southern rim, setting in motion a spectacular high-altitude military struggle with Pakistan that has continued unabated to the present day. Confronting one another in some areas at altitude over 6000 metres, the two armies contested for possession of a largely uninhabited, wedge-shaped piece of territory, about 2500 square kilometers in size, situated just south of the Chinese border. The struggle is on till today and a number of operations have been executed by both sides for occupation or retention of key areas / posts.

Background Of This Operation :-

Chumik is a minor sub sector of Bilafond Sub Sector, which has remained quiet since 1984 with the exception of Chumik Operation in 1989. Forwarded posts of the sub sector overlook Gyong Glacier and also dominate by observation, enemies Baniya Base. A Pakistani post was established in the Location of present Sher Post in 1985. The post was later withdrawn suffering heavy losses due to avalanches and enemy artillery fire the same year. The post was re-established in 1988 by 9 Northern Light Infantry on the order of Commander Force Command Northern Area. In the early spring of 1989, there were signal intercepts indicating enemy activity in the area. On 22 February 89 , enemy helicopter's conducted reconnaissance of the area followed by inaccurate artillery fire. Reconnaissance was conducted by Helicopter and it revealed that enemy had established five new posts/bases. Enemy had also occupied off shoots of point 22158 (the highest peak in the area which came to be known as Naveed Top after this operation). This gave enemy, the vital observation over our entire sub sector which could create serious problems in holding and maintenance of own posts. Enemy started engaging our forwarded posts, Ashgar Base and escalated the situation in the sub sector , forcing us to react.

Conduct Of Operation :-

Relative Strength and Deployment In The Area Is As Under :-

Enemy :-

Enemy had intruded into Chumik area and occupied the area. Enemy's one complete battalion supported by different calibers of artillery and complete flight of Lama Helicopter took part in the operation. She established the following posts/bases which were supported through administrative bases of Bniya and Rani:

▪ GANGA One platoon▪ SADHU One platoon (minus)▪ AGRA -I One Section▪ AGRA-II One Section with an artillery observer▪ MG Position One Section with heavy Machine Gun

Support Troops One Company in support role (for back up support).

Siachen Kashmir Pakistan Standoff

NOTE :Some Of The Data In The Above Photograph May Be Wrong. So Please Check Before Referring To Someone Else.

Own :-

A company of regular troops was detailed to relieve Northern Light Infantry troops in the Chumik Sector on 10 April 1989 . The force was further strengthened later, which was necessary for the final eviction of the enemy from the Sector. Activities in this sector had intensified considerably and constant vigil was kept on the enemy activities. Risk of weakening of our forces in this area could therefore not be taken. Guns and mortars of available artillery in the area supported the operation. One company of Northern Light Infantry on relief from the sector was provided for assistance. Ten men of Special Services Group were provided for technical assistance and expertise. Four Lama Helicopters of Arms Aviation were provided to support the operation.

The Initial Plan :-

Company minus ex 9 Azad Kashmir was holding Chumik sub sector which was subsequently augmented by another company for offensive role. Helicopters were also provided for the operation, along with Special Services Group troops and additional 81 millimeter Mortars. It was planned to occupy the area to check the further movement of enemy. The out line plan was as follows :

Mission :-

To occupy the area by engaging enemy Ganga Base with observed artillery fire to interdict her Line of Communication.

Execution :-

The plan/task was to be accomplished in following phases :

▪ Phase-I Establish Kausar Base.

▪ Phase-II Establish Kausar 1, Kausar 2 and Kausar 3 Bases.

▪ Phase-III . Occupy the area.

First Attempt :-

Aerial reconnaissance of the area was carried out on 16 April 1989 . The expedition was sent out in establishing Kausar Base by mid night the same day. Kausar 1 was established on 17 April at a height of 17000 feet and in the same evening Kausar 2 was also established. It was found that movement thereafter was not possible due to extreme difficult nature of terrain. The expedition was immediately called off to avoid detection by the enemy.

Second Attempt :-

Force Commander Northern Area decided to drop Special Services Group persons on Saddle by helicopter. Effort was made to drop the persons but helicopter could not hover at such a low level where persons could jump basically because of poor weather and configuration of ground. The mission was once again aborted.

Modified Attempt :-

After failure of two missions, the plan was modified as under :

▪Persons ex 9 Azad Kashmir and Special Service Group) to be sling – dropped at the base with the aim of occupying the area, facilitating ultimate eviction of enemy.

▪Two platoon size expeditions to make efforts for link up from two directions (One platoon each from 9 Azad Kashmir and 6 Northern Light Infantry).

Execution Plan :-

On 19 April 89 , the first helicopter took off. Lieutenant Naveed, a volunteer officer ex 9 Azad Kashmir was sling drooped at the Saddle. Captain Seghal and Captain Zia(got shahdat as Lt colonel on a UN mission), the pilots of helicopter also did a wonderful job and were able to release the slung officer at a flat place on the base (Naveed Base). Subsequently Naik Yaqoob, Special Services Group was also dropped to join Lieutenant Naveed. Some stores were also dropped in next sorties. But soon weather deteriorated making further drops impossible. It was 21 April when weather cleared and more persons were dropped. Then it was race between Indians and us to reach the top. Our troops made it to the top (Kamran Top) earlier than the enemy thus gaining the victory at a highest point in the world where battle has ever been fought. Eight Indian soldiers were discovered only 300 – 400 meters from Kamran Top who were forced to withdraw under own fire.

6 Northern Light Expedition :-

The expedition having left on 18 April was close to saddle on 25 April. Three officers with one Jawan were buried alive under tons of snow. This marked the end of expedition.

9 Azad Kashmir Expedition :-

The expedition under Captain Tariq took a good start on 22 April 89 . Its fire raided enemy's Agra I forcing her to vacate the base. Then proceeded to close with Agra II but could not succeed due to difficult terrain. The post was however engaged with artillery fire.

The First Blow :-

Enemy's intention of dominating Chumik Glacier began to fail when “Ganga Base” also known as “Thappa Base” was effectively engaged by artillery. The enemy was forced to shift the base. Destruction of Ganga Base probably forced enemy to give a second thought to her plans.

The Raid :-

On 30 April 1989 , a raiding party consisting of 11 persons including 4 officers was organized by Major Abdul Rehman Bilal. The party closed in with enemy machine gun position at approximately 1900 hours. The fire was opened which caught enemy by surprise. However, enemy soon retaliated with small arms and rocket fire. Own troops were relatively safe since Kamran Post was protected by a boulder. The raiding party in the meantime inflicted heavy damages to the enemy. This final blow forced enemy to withdraw asking for a meeting where almost all of our terms were accepted. The area was vacated and declared as de-militarized zone.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Pakistan today conducted a successful training launch of Short Range Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile Hatf III (Ghaznavi), which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 290 kilometers. The successful launch concluded the Field Training Exercise of Strategic Missile Group of Army Strategic Forces Command.

Addressing the troops in the exercise area, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee commended the troops on achieving technical and operational excellence in operating the state of the art weapon system. He expressed his satisfaction over the training goals achieved during the exercise and expected that the officers and men entrusted with the task of deterring aggression would continue to maintain professional excellence.

The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Rashad Mahmood also congratulated all the Scientists and Engineers for the successful launch of Ghaznavi Missile, as another mile stone which has further strengthened the defence potential of Pakistan besides assuring peace in the region.

The successful test has also been warmly appreciated by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan who congratulated the participating troops, scientists and engineers on their outstanding achievement.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

The P7 is a semi-automatic blowback-operated firearm. It features a unique gas-delayed blowback locking system modeled on the Swiss Pistole 47 W+F (Waffenfabrik Bern) prototype pistol (and ultimately on the Barnitzke system first used in the Volkssturmgewehr 1-5), which used gas pressures from the ignited cartridge and fed them through a small port in the barrel (in front of the chamber) to retard the rearward motion of the slide. This is accomplished by means of a piston contained inside of a cylinder located under the barrel that opposes the rearward motion of the slide until the gas pressure has declined after the bullet has left the barrel hence allowing the slide to end its rearward motion, opening the breech and ejecting the empty cartridge case. The chamber has 18 flutes that aid in the extraction process by allowing combustion gases to flow between the fired case and the chamber walls, preventing the case from "sticking" to the chamber walls. The drawback of this system is that the breech "opens" slightly prematurely to allow the slide to initiate its rearward motion. The high temperature gases cycling through a tube located below the chamber area and above the trigger made the early versions of this pistol uncomfortable to shoot after the content of two magazines were fired due to heating. The advantages of this system are a simpler manufacturing process due to the absence of a locking system and a high mechanical accuracy due to the barrel being fixed in the frame; the barrel does not execute any sort of lateral or vertical movement during the operating cycle as with the prolific Browning cam-action systems used extensively in other locked breech pistols.
this gun is used by Pakistan army and its special services group for providing security.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

SSG Pakistan Army was raised by amalgamating 17/10th Baloch (19 Baloch) and 312 Garrison Company. Based out of Cherat and Attock, the SSG was created in 1956. That year, 19 Baloch was selected for conversion to a Special Operations Force. As a result of this, the SSG has inherited many of the traditions and insignia of the Baloch Regiment. The 19th Baloch Regiment's first commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel Abu Bakar Usman Mitha who commanded it for six years till 1961. The first commander of its Alpha Company was Major Gaideen Khan Abdullai Mahsud. Their initial training and orientation as regards tactics was based on the US Special Forces pattern with whom they co-operated closely in the Cold War years. The SSG initially had 6 companies and each company had specialization units, specialized in desert, mountain, ranger, and underwater warfare. The desert companies participated in training exercises with US Army Special Forces Mobile Training Team in late 1964. In August 1965, scope of SSG was raised from a battalion size force to larger Special Operations outfit and instead of 19 Baloch (SSG) they simply adopted the name Special Service Group. The scuba company in Karachi was renowned for its tough physical training. Later on, Chinese training, tactics, weapons, and equipment were also introduced.

Special Operations Carried Out By Special Services Group :-

Hindustan Pakistan War In 1965 :-

The SSG guerrillas were initially deployed along the Afghanistan border to repel Afghanistan incursions into Pakistan, but their first major deployment came during the war of 1965. Around 120 officers and men were dropped on the night of 6/7 September near the Hindustani airbases of Adampur, Pathankot and Halwara. Due to the poor intelligence, inadequate preparations, difficult terrain, and poor visibility, none of the teams were able to regroup after the drops. Most of the men were either killed or captured by civilians and Indian armed forces, and only a few made it back to Pakistan. Captain Hazur Hasnain and a few Jawans captured an Indian Army jeep and made it back via Fazilka. The operation was a disaster. By 1971, the SSG had grown to 3 battalions with 1 permanently stationed in East Pakistan.

Hindustan Pakistan War In 1971 :-

The performance of the SSG in 1971 was much better, with 1 Commando Battalion making a spectacular raid on an Indian artillery regiment, disabling several of their guns and inflicting heavy casualties.

SSG Operations In Afghanistanistan During Soviet Afghanistan War :-

During the Soviet war in Afghanistanistan, the SSG was deployed, disguised as Afghanistans and provided support to the Mujahideen fighting the Soviets. Author Aukai Collins, in the book My Jihad, reports that Pakistani commandos have engaged the Soviet Airborne Forces in a battle that had taken place in 1986 or 1987, when the Soviet Army had inserted about three thousand Spetsnaz-aided paratroopers in an attempt to advance all the way to the Pakistani border. About three hundred Pakistani commandos teamed up with five hundred Mujahideen and fought the Spetsnaz for twenty seven days. Another battle reported as having been fought between the Pakistanis and Soviet troops, in Kunar Province in March 1986. But the Russians claim that the battle have actually been fought between the GRU Spetsnaz's 15th Spetsnaz Brigade, and the Asama Bin Zaid regiment of Afghanistan Mujahideen under Commander Assadullah, belonging to Abdul Rasul Sayyaf's faction.

SSG Operations In Siachen And Kargill Wars With Hindustan :-

The SSG was also active on the eastern border with India and they have fought in Siachen. In the Kargil war SSG performed rather well in the initial stages, infiltrating relatively deep into Indian Territory undetected as sheep herders. During the period of snowfall all the Indian posts were empty and they didn't have to face any repulsion, though later when Indian Army came to know about it resulted in a full-fledged war in which SSG suffered many casualties. In 1980, the SSG's Musa Company, which was originally formed in 1970 as a combat diver unit, was given the anti-terrorist operations role. Musa Company got the best founders in the beginning like Major Faiz Akbar Shah and Captain Sajjad Ali Shah. They were UDT/Seals qualified from class 79 of American Navy Seals. Captain Sajjad, who later retired as a Lieutenant Colonel was a salvage expert and had the intensive training of underwater demolition. Musa Company was trained by British SAS advisers in mid-1981.

Other Special Operations Carried Out By SSG :-

▪ The SSG was first used in 1965 in the State of Jammu & Kashmir. In an operation codenamed Gibraltar, their aims were continued reconnaissance, sabotage of Indian military facilities and the eventual liberation of Kashmir from Indian control, though the operation didn't end as success.

▪ The SSG lead the Operation Clean Wash to eliminate a group of terrorists in Makkah in 1979.

▪ In the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 they were once again used, this time in assistance to regular infantry units and for non-conventional and rescue operations. In the face of the massive political and military onslaught in East Pakistan, the SSG faced the Indian forces in the theater suffering heavy losses and could do little in turning the tide of war. Pervez Musharraf commanded a company of commandos during the war.

▪ SSG troops arrested Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the night of 25 March 1971 during Operation Searchlight. Upon his arrest, they sent a message to Dhaka Cantonment headquarters saying,

"Big bird in the cage".

▪ The SSG was active in Afghanistan in the 1980s during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, conducting covert and direct action missions. Again, when the balance of power shifted, it led some covert operations against the very Afghanistan government (Taliban) that Pakistan (along with USA, Saudi Arabia and UAE) had once aided, this time as part of the allied forces in operation Enduring Freedom. The SSG has aided in the capture of many senior Al Qaeda leaders, most notably Abu Zubaida and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed.

▪ The SSG has also conducted operations on the Siachen Glacier against Indian positions.

▪ In addition, some covert operations in United Nations military missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Somalia and Sierra Leone have also been executed by SSG operators.

▪ In Operation Black Thunderstorm, SSG troops abseiled from helicopters into Daggar, a town northwest of Islamabad, killing up to 50 militants.

Counter Terrorism Operations Of Special Services Group :-

▪ In September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked by terrorists while it was refueling in Karachi. As negotiations stalled and the terrorists started to kill passengers, SSG stormed the plane. The SSG killed one hijacker and captured the rest.

▪ In February 1994, Afghanistan hijackers took over a school bus with 74 children and 8 teachers. They drove to the Afghanistan mission in Islamabad where they released 57 students but kept 16 boys and the teachers. The negotiations led nowhere and it was decided to free the hostages by force. The Pakistani authorities had somehow managed to inform the children of the impending raid. The SSG commandos used a secondary explosion as a distraction and entered the room at the Afghanistan embassy where the hostages were being held, killing the three hijackers. The operation lasted about 20 seconds.

▪ In May 1998, three members of the Baloch terrorists took over a PIA Fokker plane because they were angry at the government for conducting nuclear tests in Baluchistan. As negotiations dragged, SSG commandos rushed the plane and apprehended all 3 hijackers. None of the passengers were harmed during the assault.

▪ On 10 October 2009, militants attacked the Pakistan Military Headquarters, taking hostage 42 civil and military officials. SSG commandos rescued 39 hostages and killed 9 militants, capturing one. The militants have been linked to Ilyas Kashmiri being a leading Al Qaeda commander operating alongside Tehrik-e-Taliban. A total of six SSG commandos and three hostages were killed in the operation. As reported by ISPR (Inter Services Public Relations) http://www.ispr.gov.pk/front/main.asp?o=t-press_release&id=930. The operation was undertaken by SSG's Counter Terrorism Force. Three more SSG commandos, injured during the operation, died in the hospital on October 12.

SSG Pride Of Pakistan Army

Interaction With Other World Special Forces :-

SSG conducts regular (bi-annual) exercises with the Turkish Special Forces which have been designated as the "Ataturk" series. The first of these exercises was held in December 1998. The Turkish force included 21 officers and 14 non-commissioned officers. The second exercise of this series was held in November 2000, while Atatürk-III concluded in September 2002.

During the 1980s and then into the 1990s, SSG held many similar training exercises with US Special Forces called "Inspired Venture". These exercises were usually held during the early months of January and February with approximately 150 US troops. The exercises were focused on weapon familiarization and use, mountain-warfare along with tactics, raids and ambushes, and eventually airborne operations.

The SSG also conducts exercises with Chinese Special Forces. In 2006, China and Pakistan conducted an eight-day exercise called the Pakistan-China Joint Exercise Friendship-2006.

SSG has also been reported to train with the Jordanian Royal Special Forces and Iranian Quds Force and conducts training for Special Forces of other Middle Eastern countries at Cherat.

Deployment Of Special Services Group :-

Components of the battalions are constantly rotated between Cherat, Attock, Tarbela and any other hot spots (such as Pakistan-India border or when Pakistani forces are deployed overseas as part of the UN peace keeping operations) in order to provide experience to the operators. The SSG are used to provide security to various vital points such as the strategic nuclear facilities in Pakistan. It is thought that a number of SSG operators are stationed in Saudi Arabia for the protection of the Saudi royal family. Many SSG officers and other ranks are routinely seconded to the Directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for clandestine and reconnaissance missions. SSG has planted some of their operatives under command of ISI within various civilian government and private institutions for various security purposes. The details of the operatives are highly classified. Most of the operatives of this "covert" division are planted in educational institutes.

Notable Operators Of Special Services Group :-

Major General Abu Bakar Usman Mitha is known as the Father of Special Service Group of Pakistan Army.

General Pervez Musharraf Commanded Operation To Release Khana Kaaba From Militants. Who was young and energetic commando was given the responsibility to lead the operation and clear the Kaaba from militants.

Lt. General (Retd) Haroon Aslam is known for leading Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat valley in 2009. Under his command the (Special Services Group) fought bravely in Piochar Valley and liberated that area from the terrorists.

Brigadier Tariq Mehmood (Brigadier TM) was a legendary soldier and commander of SSG. Brigadier TM was one of the most decorated soldiers in Pakistan with 2 Sitara-e-Jurat (Bar), Sitar-e-Basalat and Hilal-e-Shujaat (posthumous). TM died on 29 May 1989, when his parachute did not open. One of the training exercises in Pakistan Military Academy is named after him (TM Raiders) and two crossroads (chowks) are named after him; one in Gujranwala, where he died and one in Rawalpindi outside the General Headquarters of Pakistan Army.

Colonel Abu Tahir from Bangladesh Army (was an officer of former Pakistan Army ) joined the elite Special Service Group (Commando Force) in 1965. He was one of the first Bengali Commandos who joined in SSG. Following his training, he participated in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 in the Kashmir sector and the Sialkot sector. For his part, he received a gallantry award from the Government of Pakistan. After the war, Tahir took advanced training on Guerrilla Warfare at Fort Bragg and Fort Benning in the United States in 1969. He was posted to the Quetta Staff College, Pakistan in 1970.He is considered as one of the best and most dangerous commandos in the history of SSG.

General Mirza Aslam Beg the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Army from 1987 to 1991. As a major, Beg commanded an SSG company in 1960 during the Dir-Bajaur Operation in the North-West Frontier Province.

General Shamim Alam Khan, former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. As a major, he commanded an SSG company in Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, for which he was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat.

Major General Ameer Faisal Alavi (28 March 1954 – 19 November 2008) was a Pakistan Army 2 star general and special operations expert who was the first General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the elite Special Service Group of Pakistan Army. A former member of Special Service Group, he was credited with masterminding the Angoor Ada operation in 2004, where many Arabs and Chechans based in the tribal areas were killed or arrested and turned over to the Americans. On 19 November 2008, while driving to work in his car in Islamabad, he was shot dead by three unknown gunmen. It was alleged that Ilyas Kashmiri, the chief of Jammu & Kashmir chapter of Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, was behind the murder of Maj-Gen Alavi at the behest of the Taliban in North Waziristan.

History of Pakistan army is filled with stories of great sons of soil who sacrficed their lives for the greater good future of Pakistan. Many of these sons were trained by Special Services Group. Special Services Group is the most decorated independent battalion of Pakistan Army.

Friday, April 18, 2014

The Glock pistol, sometimes referred to by the manufacturer as a Glock "Safe Action" Pistol, is a series of polymer-framed, short recoil operated, locked breech semi-automatic pistols designed and produced by Glock Ges.m.b.H., located in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria. It entered Austrian military and police service by 1982.

Operating Mechanism :-

Glock 17 Of Pakistan Army

The Glock 17 is a 9mm short recoil-operated locked breech semi-automatic pistol that uses a modified Browning cam-lock system adapted from the Hi-Power pistol. The firearm's locking mechanism utilizes a linkless, vertically tilting barrel with a rectangular breech that

locks into the ejection port cut-out in the slide. During the recoil stroke, the barrel moves rearward initially locked together with the slide approximately 3 mm (0.12 in) until the bullet leaves the barrel and chamber pressure drops to a safe level. A ramped lug extension at the base of the barrel then interacts with a tapered locking block integrated into the frame, forcing the barrel down and unlocking it from the slide. This camming action terminates the barrel's movement while the slide continues back under recoil, extracting and ejecting the spent cartridge casing. The slide's uninterrupted rearward movement and counter-recoil cycle are characteristic of the Browning system.

Use By Pakistan Army :-

Glock pistols are very popular among Pakistan army and especially special services group of Pakistan army. The reasons are fire rate, accuracy, and light weight and therefore one operative can hold more ammo. There pistols are very reliable and useful in close quarter combat and urban warfare.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

The Special Services Group (SSG) is a special operations force of the Pakistan Army. It is quite similar to the U.S. Army's Special Forces and the British Army's SAS. The SSG, headquartered at Tarbela, is headed by a Major-General and divided into ten battalions, the actual strength of which is classified.

Training :-

Special Services Group Of Pakistan Army
Insignia

SSG officers must have at least five years of prior military experience and volunteer from other formations for two-year assignments with the SSG; non-commissioned officers and enlisted men volunteer from other formations to serve permanently in the SSG. All trainees must participate in a nine-month SSG course at Cherat. The SSG course emphasizes physical conditioning, including a 36-mile march in 12 hours and a five-mile run in 20 minutes with full gear. Following the SSG course, trainees must go through the airborne training to get their commando wings from the SSG Airborne School. The course lasts four weeks, with wings awarded after five day-jumps and three night-jumps. The SSG recruits get trained in hand-to-hand combat training and very hard physical fitness training; only about 25% of recruits make it through to the Pakistan SSG due to the very tough training course.

Uniform :-

The commandos are distinguished by their insignia of maroon berets, a common color for airborne troops, with a silver metal tab on a light blue felt square with a dagger and lightning bolts, and a wing on the right side of the chest. The combat uniform of the SSG is similar to the US woodland pattern camouflage coat and pants. Other uniforms include camouflage and black dungarees (for the CT team).

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A Journey From Scratch To Nuclear Power

The Pakistan Army came into being as a result of the amalgamation of the Muslim troops of the pre-independence British Indian Army. The origin of many of its units dates back to the beginning of the British rule in the subcontinent. This relation, however, is merely of historical nature. With the birth of Pakistan, a hotchpotch of the ill-equipped and ill-organized troops, breaking away from the old and established British Indian Army, had been transformed into a disciplined fighting force in consonance with the national ideals and aspirations.

On 3 June 1947, the British Government announced the plan for the partition of the sub continent between India and Pakistan, and for the transfer of power to the two new states on 15 August 1947. On 30 June 1947, the procedure for the division of the armed forces was agreed upon by the Partition Council, chaired by the Viceroy of India Lord Mountbatten and consisting of the top leaders of the Muslim League and the Indian Congress. Field Marshal Auchinleck, then C-in-C India, was appointed Supreme Commander under Mountbatten to ensure smooth division of units, stores, and so on. It was announced on 1 July 1947, that both countries would have operational control of their respective armed forces by 15 August 1947.